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Changes in Tropical Cyclone Number, Duration, and Intensity in a Warming Environment

TitleChanges in Tropical Cyclone Number, Duration, and Intensity in a Warming Environment
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsWebster, P. J., G. J. Holland, J. A. Curry, and H. - R. Chang
JournalScience
Volume309
Issue5742
Pagination1844-1846
Date PublishedSEP 16 2005
ISBN Number0036-8075
KeywordsFREQUENCY, GLOBAL CLIMATE-CHANGE, HURRICANE INTENSITY, IMAGERY, impact, INCREASE, model, OSCILLATION, PRECIPITATION
Abstract

We examined the number of tropical cyclones and cyclone days as well as tropical cyclone intensity over the past 35 years, in an environment of increasing sea surface temperature. A large increase was seen in the number and proportion of hurricanes reaching categories 4 and 5. The largest increase occurred in the North Pacific, Indian, and Southwest Pacific Oceans, and the smallest percentage increase occurred in the North Atlantic Ocean. These increases have taken place while the number of cyclones and cyclone days has decreased in all basins except the North Atlantic during the past decade.

DOIDOI 10.1126/science.1116448
Reference number

387

Short TitleChanges in Tropical Cyclone Number, Duration, and Intensity in a Warming Environment
Citation Key387